Salmon Ikura Don: How to Multiply Flavor by 8x (The Science of "Umami Synergy")

(1) Video Section

(2) Ryota's One-Point Advice: The Science of "Umami Synergy"

Most people just pour "Soy Sauce" over their seafood bowls. Scientifically speaking, that is a huge waste! You are missing out on half of the flavor potential.

The secret lies in "Umami Synergy."

• Avocado & Soy Sauce = Glutamate (Plant-based Umami)
• Salmon & Katsuobushi = Inosinate (Fish Umami)

When these two different types of Umami meet, the flavor intensity doesn't just add up (1+1=2); it multiplies (1×8=8) like an explosion on your tongue. This is science.

Here is one more pro tip: Don't use soy sauce as it is. Mix it with "Dashi" in a 1:1 ratio.

This creates a "Special Sauce" where the saltiness is reduced, and the aroma of Dashi takes over. This is the fastest way to recreate restaurant-quality taste at home.

Have questions about this logic? Ask me directly in our community!

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(3) Ingredients (Serves 2)

To make it easy for beginners, we will use warm "Steamed Rice" instead of Sushi rice this time!

• Sashimi Grade Salmon: 150g (Cubed)
• Ikura (Salmon Roe): As much as you like!
• Avocado: 1 (Cubed)
• Rice: 2 bowls (Warm steamed white rice)
• Shiso Leaves: 2-3 (Optional)
• The Magic Topping (Must!): A pinch of Katsuobushi (Bonito Flakes)
• The Special Sauce:
  • Soy Sauce: 2 tbsp
  • Dashi Stock: 2 tbsp
• 💡 Don't know how to make authentic Dashi? Check our [Basic Dashi Guide]

(4) Instructions

1. Cut the Ingredients: Cut the salmon and avocado into bite-sized cubes. Cutting them into the same size helps the flavors mix evenly in your mouth.

2. Make the "Dashi Shoyu" (Sauce): In a small bowl, mix Soy Sauce and Dashi Stock in a 1:1 ratio.

Ryota's Science Note: Pure soy sauce is too salty and can overpower the delicate sweetness of the fish fat. By diluting it with Dashi, you lower the salt concentration while boosting the Umami.

3. Assemble: Place the rice in a bowl. Arrange the salmon, avocado, and Shiso leaves beautifully to cover the rice. Place the Ikura in the center.

4. The Finish (The Most Important Step): Finally, sprinkle Katsuobushi on top and pour the Special Sauce over the bowl. Just before eating, take a deep breath of the smoky aroma of the Bonito Flakes. That scent is the signal to your brain to start your appetite!

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"Wait, just adding Katsuobushi changes the taste?!"

If you thought that, I want you to try it right now.

Please tell me your reaction after the first bite. I am waiting to hear your surprised voice saying, "It really changed!" Snap a photo and share it in our "Japanese Kitchen Family."

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